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EP5 or M5?

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Louis_Dobson said:
Assuming the guts of the M5 find their way into the EP3 soon enough to make an EP5 (oly skip 4, as a rule), Which would you prefer?
--
http://www.flickr.com/photos/acam
http://thegentlemansnapper.blogspot.com
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My personal preference is to be able to use my fl-50 or some other flash on the flash shoe and still be able to look through the VF.

I really dont like using the LCD for composing a photo, except for truly odd angle shots...

I dont like having to use remote flash simply because Im using the VF.

The OMD or whatever they call it, would be the first m4/3 camera from Olympus that allows me to use the flash when I want to without sacrificing the EVF. I will give it due consideration, when all is known about IQ, and functions on the camera.

A new "EP-L# or EP-# without a built in VF would NOT be attractive to me regardless of what-ever else is in the camera.

My next camera purchase will probably be m4/3 and is likely to be either the GH2 or the OMD.

I dont consider the IBIS to be a deal breaker because, in truth, I dont use it all that much, its OFF most of the time, on all 5 cameras I own that have it.

--
Larry Lynch
Mystic, Connecticut

Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does

In all matters of opinion, our adversaries are insane.
Oscar Wilde
 
I seem to be alone in liking the external VF. I like being able to unplug it and put it in my pocket. However, you are right, losing the VF when you want something else in the port is a pest.

That's a major reason for getting the E-M5.
herebefore said:
Louis_Dobson said:
Assuming the guts of the M5 find their way into the EP3 soon enough to make an EP5 (oly skip 4, as a rule), Which would you prefer?
--
http://www.flickr.com/photos/acam
http://thegentlemansnapper.blogspot.com
Click to expand...
My personal preference is to be able to use my fl-50 or some other flash on the flash shoe and still be able to look through the VF.

I really dont like using the LCD for composing a photo, except for truly odd angle shots...

I dont like having to use remote flash simply because Im using the VF.

The OMD or whatever they call it, would be the first m4/3 camera from Olympus that allows me to use the flash when I want to without sacrificing the EVF. I will give it due consideration, when all is known about IQ, and functions on the camera.

A new "EP-L# or EP-# without a built in VF would NOT be attractive to me regardless of what-ever else is in the camera.

My next camera purchase will probably be m4/3 and is likely to be either the GH2 or the OMD.

I dont consider the IBIS to be a deal breaker because, in truth, I dont use it all that much, its OFF most of the time, on all 5 cameras I own that have it.

--
Larry Lynch
Mystic, Connecticut

Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does

In all matters of opinion, our adversaries are insane.
Oscar Wilde
Click to expand...
--
http://www.flickr.com/photos/acam
http://thegentlemansnapper.blogspot.com
 
Louis_Dobson said:
Assuming the guts of the M5 find their way into the EP3 soon enough to make an EP5 (oly skip 4, as a rule), Which would you prefer?
Click to expand...
For me, it is no question, E-M5. In my last update, I looked at the E-P3, and decided to get an E-5 while they were still available because I was tired of leaving the E-P2 home when the weather looked iffy. Having the electronic viewfinder builtin addresses another issue I have had with the Pen design (hopefully they fixed the polarization issue with the new VF so I can shoot with polarized sunglasses in landscape orientation, unlike the VF-2).
 
Louis_Dobson said:
I seem to be alone in liking the external VF. I like being able to unplug it and put it in my pocket. However, you are right, losing the VF when you want something else in the port is a pest.

That's a major reason for getting the E-M5.
Click to expand...
You are NOT alone... I like the EVF just fine... Most of my shooting with the Pen is sans flash anyway... I just dont like having to remove it.. EVER!

I bought a G-1 (used, very cheap) Just to have an m4/3 camera that could do "flash photography" without making changes to the function of the camera..

I dont even have the VF2.. I have the VF3.. It gives me just enough resolution to do manual focus... So Im a happy camper with that part of it. I have used the VF2, and its terrific and better than the VF3, but the 3 was less than half the price of the 2, when I bought it, and at the time, I didn't know if I was keeping the EPL-1.

--
Larry Lynch
Mystic, Connecticut

Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does

In all matters of opinion, our adversaries are insane.
Oscar Wilde
 
Louis_Dobson said:
Some of us can use our common sense to see what is likely to happen next. Others bark at the moon with mad ideas about full frame cameras shaped like a Hassleblad. So, sure, given your track record of predictions, I'd not make any more.

If you need help working out what the E-P5, E-M6 and E6 will be, do please ask, and I'll be happy to tell you. Same as I told you what the E-M5, E5 and E3 would be.
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Sorry, I went over the top. The European winter must have struck me in a different way - I really think that despite the money it asks for its stuff, Oly is so misunderstood as a company. So I get over-defensive.

Am.
--
Photostream: http://www.flickr.com/photos/amalric
 
We're all getting cabin fever. It's even cold here in Southern Portugal. And I'm off to the UK tomorrow! Roll on Spring!
amalric said:
Louis_Dobson said:
Some of us can use our common sense to see what is likely to happen next. Others bark at the moon with mad ideas about full frame cameras shaped like a Hassleblad. So, sure, given your track record of predictions, I'd not make any more.

If you need help working out what the E-P5, E-M6 and E6 will be, do please ask, and I'll be happy to tell you. Same as I told you what the E-M5, E5 and E3 would be.
Click to expand...
Sorry, I went over the top. The European winter must have struck me in a different way - I really think that despite the money it asks for its stuff, Oly is so misunderstood as a company. So I get over-defensive.

Am.
--
Photostream: http://www.flickr.com/photos/amalric
Click to expand...
--
http://www.flickr.com/photos/acam
http://thegentlemansnapper.blogspot.com
 
That is why the position of the port is critical, and I am not sure Oly gets it right. To avoid the bulge it could move it elsewhere.

In a computer-like camera the port is as critical as an USB. One could even think of putting it sidewise. If one does not need the hotshoe for the EVF, that is. Also if one thinks it as a module, one could plug it in only when needed.

Model revivals are all very well, but they also put undue constraints on the design of a 'connected camera'.

Am.
--
Photostream: http://www.flickr.com/photos/amalric
 
amalric said:
That is why the position of the port is critical, and I am not sure Oly gets it right. To avoid the bulge it could move it elsewhere.

In a computer-like camera the port is as critical as an USB. One could even think of putting it sidewise. If one does not need the hotshoe for the EVF, that is. Also if one thinks it as a module, one could plug it in only when needed.

Model revivals are all very well, but they also put undue constraints on the design of a 'connected camera'.
Click to expand...
But in terms of the USB port, this is one area that Olympus gets it wrong in the entire Pen series. I often have my USB port, video out, and/or shutter release cables connected, and I want to shoot for a few shots hand held without unplugging everything. When it was on the left side (like it is for the E-x cameras) it was much better.
 
Louis_Dobson said:
The E-M5 is a dSLR replacement, pure and simple. Pocketability is not the design goal.
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Certainly, it looks the part. OTOH it doesn't really have the lenses to act the part.

FWIW 43rumors has the full dimensions/weight:

E-M5 122 x 89 x 43mm 425g

Compare that to:

GH2 124 x 90 x 76mm 440g
E-P3 122 x 69 x 34mm 370g
E-PM1 110 x 64 x 34mm 265g

--
MFBernstein

'Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit.' - Ed Abbey
 
mfbernstein said:
Louis_Dobson said:
Assuming the guts of the M5 find their way into the EP3 soon enough to make an EP5 (oly skip 4, as a rule), Which would you prefer?
Click to expand...
Well, there was the OM-4 :-)

I see nothing compelling about the E-M5 that would be better than a well-implemented E-P5. None of the interesting lenses are sealed. The built-in EVF is just about as big as the VF-2, and has the same resolution. The controls look a bit wonky and the buttons are still tiny.
Click to expand...
The pens have this Canon Powershot wheel from hell that I so personally hate in all these cameras. :-)
mfbernstein said:
An E-P5 for $700, especially with an optional horizontal grip (like the E-M5's) would be more flexible, less expensive and equally useful. Without grip or VF2 it's a P&S that can be stuffed in a coat pocket. Add the grip and EVF and it can do whatever the M5 does, minus the 9 fps burst mode (which isn't especially exciting since it can't C-AF at that speed).

Whatever they come out next in the Pen line, I hope they can make the buttons bigger. The current controls are just way too small.

--
MFBernstein

'Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit.' - Ed Abbey
Click to expand...
--

Raist3d/Ricardo (Photographer, software dev.)- "You are taking life too seriously if it bugs you in some way that a guy quotes himself in the .sig quote" - Ricardo
 
That is what I am saying, the port doesn't need to be in the center, even for the VF-2.

It's crazy that one must use it as an alternative to the flash, like in the PL3. If need be, put two hotshoes, we like steampunk, do we? :)

Am.
--
Photostream: http://www.flickr.com/photos/amalric
 
I'd say EP5.

As you say, the big hump does not help on pocketability. Right now, my EP3 finds its way into my pocket, very easily. All I have to do is remove the VF3.

This new camera looks very good, but a bit bigger than I thought it should be. nevertheless, it looks promising, but expensive.

António
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http://www.flickr.com/photos/91908602@N00/
 
Hi louis. I think this OMD looks great....but I have said bye bye to dslr look long time ago. I own the EP1 and what I have discover with this cam is that ins´t intrusive at all and I have made with it the kind photograpy that i like for three years : shoot people.

Since I don´t need wheader sailed at all I live in the middle and dry Spain), magnesium body at all and viewfinder, I have discover also that after years using viewfinders...I prefer to compose with the LCD. So I prefer to wait for the next EP, it will have, sure the same or better sensor and the same or better D/R that the OMD, and in the end I was actually looking for a non intrusive cam really pocktable whit hight IQ.
Best regards,
Enrique
--
All we need is love
http://www.flickr.com/photos/montoablasa1/
 
M5 for wedding, , wildlife , where zooms, long teles , flash are called for
EP5 for shootings where primes suffice and portability is called for

I intend to get both if EP5 mimics EP3 design while garnering improved guts (don't mind a builtin EVF on the left a la NEX 7 either but has to be flush with the body and not like GH design)
cheers,
:-)
 
I love the E-PM1 format myself. That plus the E-M5 format would suit me nicely.
dv312 said:
M5 for wedding, , wildlife , where zooms, long teles , flash are called for
EP5 for shootings where primes suffice and portability is called for

I intend to get both if EP5 mimics EP3 design while garnering improved guts (don't mind a builtin EVF on the left a la NEX 7 either but has to be flush with the body and not like GH design)
cheers,
:-)
Click to expand...
--
http://www.flickr.com/photos/acam
http://thegentlemansnapper.blogspot.com
 
kermitG9 said:
mermoz said:
why no built- in evf ? Sony nex-7 has one and is not bigger.
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Quoting Sony is a bad example: Sony has been one of the first to enter the oled manufacturing business.. They do cover R&D and manufacturing themselves (and they can re-use that very same technology on various products to lower costs) while Olympus must purchase that technology from outside through licensing.

So not comparable.. hence it also wouldn't surprise me that the build-in viewfinder of the E-M5 re-uses VF2 electronics.
Click to expand...
why can't they put the vf2 directly in then pen box, if Sony can do it in a similar sized box ? it' s not an r&d or oled technology issue, Olympus has this technology already.
 
Steven Wandy said:
As much as I love my EP3, for me I think it is time to go back to a more traditional style camera, so I am thinking seriously about replacing the EP3 with the EM5.
Steve
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I was originally thinking along the lines that a WR version of E-P3 would be all I would want. However down here in the NZ summer, no rear LCD can be useable in the blinding daylight without considerable shading. And as I have been doing lately, stick an E-P3 into a waterproof dicapac cover, and viewing in bright light through the plastic layer largely reduces viewing to making out the major shapes on the LCD and composing off those!

Camera covers severly increase weight and bulk and/or hamper handling and access to controls. Not good when hiking or fishing!

Plus I wonder if Olympus would provide a WR hot shoe EVF.

So the only proven and workable answer is an eye-level VF because to get the WR protection against water splashing using a housing or cover can reduce the process to shooting near blind!

Unless I can custom make a lightweight, button and zoom lens friendly cover, then it looks like another trade up on the horizon ...

--
Shoot the Light fantastic
 
AntnioGM said:
I'd say EP5.

As you say, the big hump does not help on pocketability. Right now, my EP3 finds its way into my pocket, very easily. All I have to do is remove the VF3.

This new camera looks very good, but a bit bigger than I thought it should be. nevertheless, it looks promising, but expensive.
Click to expand...
Bigger? It is basically an E-P3 with a internal VF hump. If you had an plug-in VF, that would be even taller.

--
Shoot the Light fantastic
 
Louis_Dobson said:
Assuming the guts of the M5 find their way into the EP3 soon enough to make an EP5 (oly skip 4, as a rule), Which would you prefer?
--
Click to expand...
That's the 64 dollar question and probably the major design point between PEN and OM design briefs - OM with internal VF and optional external VF for PEN.

It would be very interesting to see the design policy sheets in these camera companies!
--
Shoot the Light fantastic
 
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